[Delphi Expert Consensus of the German Society for Thoracic Surgery on Segmentectomy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]. / Delphi-Experten-Konsens der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Thoraxchirurgie über die anatomische Segmentresektion bei nicht kleinzelligem Lungenkarzinom.

BACKGROUND: Findings from two recently published randomised controlled trials have shown favourable oncological results of segmentectomy for early-stage NSCLC < 2 cm. This has generated a growing interest in this procedure, which is however considered technically more challenging than lobectomy. The aim of the working group of the German Society for Thoracic Surgery (DGT) was to address, via an expert consensus project, topics concerning implementation of segmentectomy in lung cancer surgery. METHODS: The assigned group of the DGT designed and conducted two electronic rounds of questions in all major thoracic and lung cancer centres in Germany. The steering group predefined a priori the threshold of consensus of 75% or greater. The results were discussed in an expert meeting, leading to a final Delphi poll for selected topics and questions. RESULTS: Thirty-eight questions on segmentectomy for NSCLC were proposed in two rounds and voted on. After the final Delphi process, a consensus was reached for the following topics: non-inferiority of segmentectomy vs. lobectomy for tumours < 2 cm, segmentectomy as an alternative if lobectomy is functionally not feasible, use of intraoperative techniques for identification of intersegmental borders. No consensus could be reached for topics such as frozen section for intraoperative ascertainment of radicality, as also for the indication of a re-do lobectomy in case of an occult N1 lymph node status. CONCLUSION: Our manuscript depicts the results of a Delphi process in 2020/2021 involving experts of the German Society for Thoracic Surgery on the implementation of segmentectomy in lung cancer patients. In general, a very high rate of consensus was documented for the majority of the topics concerning the indication and execution of lung segmentectomy.

[Evaluation of Functional Operability Prior to Lung Surgery]. / Evaluation der funktionellen Operabilität vor thoraxchirurgischen Eingriffen.

Cardiac and pulmonary physiologic assessment is necessary for risk stratification before any lung resection. It may uncover hidden health issues, which can be addressed first to make patients fit for surgery. It allows for the surgeon to estimate the patient's risk for major complications and at the same time for the patient to understand the procedural risks and give informed consent or even reject surgery. Recommended work-up for both to cardiac risk evaluation and preoperative pulmonary function test algorithms are based on guidelines formulated by the ERS/ESTS and ACCP 1 3 4.Basic pulmonary function tests consist of spirometry, blood gas analysis and measurement of diffusion capacity (DLCO); followed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) which estimates or measures the patient's oxygen consumption, and split function tests such as perfusion scintigraphy. Clinical assessment of both the patient's overall status and pulmonary function allows for an adequate assessment of overall operative risk. Pulmonary function tests are affected by multiple variables and as such prone to error. It is advisable to always question the validity of every work-up and to repeat any test if necessary.

Clinical and bronchoscopic aspects of bronchial healing after sleeve resection for lung cancer: a multivariate analysis on 541 cases.

Background: Anastomotic insufficiency is a feared complication after sleeve lobectomy. Bronchoscopy can help to identify anastomoses at risk. We evaluated negative predictors of anastomotic healing using a bronchoscopic grading system in a large collective of lung cancer patients. Methods: From 2006 to 2019, 541 sleeve lobectomies for lung cancer were performed. Anastomotic healing was documented by bronchoscopy on the seventh postoperative day using a standardized classification system for anastomotic grading (grade 1, perfect healing to 5, insufficiency). Grade 1 and 2 were considered satisfactory and the patients were discharged. Grade 3 or higher was considered critical. These patients received systemic antibiotic treatment and re-bronchoscopy was performed 4 days later. Results: In 18.5% of the patients, the anastomosis was assessed as critical. 19% of patients with critical anastomosis on the 7th postoperative day developed anastomotic insufficiency during the postoperative course, compared to 0.2% in patients with satisfactory anastomotic healing. Bilobectomies, low preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) values, high preoperative levels of C-reactive protein and neoadjuvant radiation were identified as independent risk factors for critical anastomotic healing. Conclusions: Bronchoscopic assessment of anastomotic healing is an effective tool to identify critical anastomoses. Neoadjuvant radiation, bilobectomies and acute or chronic inflammation were independent risk factors for bronchial healing disorders and should be considered at the planning stage of surgery.

[Resection of Lung Cancer in Old Patients - Does Demographic Change Cause a Rethink?] / Thoraxchirurgische Resektion des Lungenkarzinoms beim alten Menschen ­ bedingt der demografische Wandel ein Umdenken?

Due to the demographic change prevailing in Germany, the age pyramid is shifting more and more upwards. According to the WHO, a patient over the age of 75 is considered to be old. Whether or not and to what extent an old patient can tolerate thoracic surgery purely based on his age and comorbidities remains unclear. Under most circumstances the surgeon's experience seems to be crucial in this decision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data analysis included data from 01. 2016-01. 2018 based on the German Thorax Register (Project ID: 2017-03), which was set up under the patronage of the German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) and the German Society for Thoracic Surgery (DGT). A total of 1357 patients were included, 658 patients had histologically proven lung cancer stage I-II. These were divided into three groups according to their age; group I (< 65 years), group II (65- ≤ 75) years and group III (> 75 years). We were able to show that group III had essentially no increased postoperative complication rates (all = 48.00 %; group I = 40.90 %; group II = 53.00 %; group III = 52.90 %) and even performed better than group II (65 to ≤ 75) regarding pulmonary complications. (postoperative pneumonia group II = 19.20 %, group III = 12.90 %) The mortality was lowest in patients who were operated on in centers of the German Thorax Register (all = 1.70 %, group I = 1.90 %; group II = 1.70 %; group III = 1.30 %), compared to national german average. (all = 1.99 %; group I = 1.23 %; group II = 2.18 %; group III = 3.78 %) In particular, patients of group III showed the greatest difference. Furthermore, we saw that the majority of anatomical resections performed in centers of the German Thorax Register were resected by VATS (Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) as opposed to patients operated on in hospitals not affiliated with the German Thorax Register. DISCUSSION: Considering these results, the question arises whether in Germany all old patients were treated according to current guidelines. Although there is a certain selection bias in group III, operative candidates fit for surgery are operated in the centers of the German Thorax Register. Our results permit us to conclude that this group of patients should be given optimal surgical therapy when indicated. Age alone should not be the sole determining factor in decision-making regarding thoracic surgery.

Sleeve lobectomy versus lobectomy for primary treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer: A single-center retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is unclear how much additional perioperative risk a sleeve lobectomy could pose in comparison to lobectomy. The objective of this analysis was to compare the complication rate, 30-day mortality, and overall survival between lobectomy and sleeve lobectomy without prior neoadjuvant treatment in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: This is a retrospective study using our prospective database for quality assurance in our hospital. Inclusion criteria for our study was a completed lobectomy or sleeve lobectomy for primary treatment of NSCLC. RESULTS: In 506 patients, the tumor was treated by means of standard lobectomy. In 252 patients with central tumor localization, sleeve lobectomy was performed. Postoperative complications occurred in n:148 (29.24%) patients of the lobectomy group and in n = 76 (30.15%) of the sleeve group. The mortality rate difference between the two groups was statistically significant and favored the lobectomy group (0.78% vs. 4.76%, p = .007). Five year survival was 69.97% for the lobectomy and 65.59% for the sleeve group (p = .829). CONCLUSION: Sleeve lobectomy for primary surgical treatment of NSCLC has comparable perioperative complications with lobectomy. Sleeve lobectomy does not seem to negatively influence survival. Postoperative mortality was higher in the sleeve group.

Prophylaxis and management of postoperative complications after tracheobronchial surgery.

Prevention of bronchial complications after airway surgery must be our primary goal. Understanding bronchial and anastomotic healing is the first step to success. This can be improved by standardizing operating technique (bronchial closure and end-to-end anastomosis) as well as postoperative care. Bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy still remains a feared complication with a high mortality rate. Especially after sleeve resection interpretation of endobronchial healing and postoperative measures of care with the help of an algorithm, may avoid anastomotic insufficiency and therefore reduced the secondary pneumonectomy rate.

[German recommendations on lung and thoracic ultrasonography in patients with COVID-19]. / Empfehlungen zur Lungen- und Thoraxsonographie bei Patienten mit COVID-19-Erkrankung.

Lung and chest ultrasound are further examination modalities in addition to computed tomography and laboratory diagnostics in patients with COVID-19. It extends the clinical-physical examination because it can examine lung surface sensitively. Lung surface pattern changes have been found in sonograms of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and during the course of the disease. German specialist societies of clinical acute, emergency and intensive care medicine as well as imaging, which are concerned with the care of patients with SARS-CoV­2 infection and COVID-19, have coordinated recommendations for lung and thorax sonography. This document has been created within a transparent process, led by the German Society of Interdisciplinary Emergency and Acute Medicine e. V. (DGINA), and worked out by an expert panel and delegates from the societies. Sources of the first 200 cases were summarized. Typical thorax sonographic findings are presented. International sources or standards that were available in PubMed until May 24, 2020 were included. Using case studies and multimedia content, the document is intended to not only support users but also demonstrate quality features and the potential of chest and lung sonography. The German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) is carrying out a multicenter study (study coordination at the TU Munich).

Optimal timing of surgery for bronchial sleeve resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Sleeve resection is an established oncological operative treatment for centrally located tumors with reduced complications compared to pneumonectomy. In cases of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, the optimal timing of surgery for bronchial anastomotic healing has not been adequately explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2017, 584 tracheobronchial sleeve resections were retrospectively analyzed. We selected all patients (n = 88) after sleeve lobectomy or sleeve bilobectomy for lung cancer with fully completed neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Bronchial healing was assessed by bronchoscopy on the 7th postoperative day using our earlier published classification from grades 1 to 5. RESULTS: The median interval to surgery was 50 days (interquartile range 46-53, mean 50.03 ± 3.72). Mean anastomotic grade was 2.05 ± 1.03 and in 29.5% of the patients a critical anastomosis (grade ≥3) was documented. Anastomotic healing showed optimal results (bronchoscopic grade mean value: 1.5 ± 0.70) between the 6th and 8th postchemoradiotherapy week (P = .001). All patients operated before (bronchoscopic grade mean value: 2.3 ± 1.02) or after the above period (bronchoscopic grade mean value: 2.5 ± 1.15) had an increased ratio of anastomotic healing complications. CONCLUSION: It is safer to perform sleeve-resections for non-small cell lung cancer after neoadjuvant trimodal treatment between the 6th and 8th week of completion of chemoradiotherapy.

[Thoracic Surgical Aspects of Seriously Injured Patients]. / Thoraxchirurgische Aspekte beim Polytrauma.

The therapy of severely injured patients is demanding and promising only in an interdisciplinary context. From a thoracic surgical perspective, the blunt chest trauma is in the foreground; as it is the 2nd leading cause of death after traumatic brain injury. The first step is to identify the potentially life-threatening injury and its treatment (airway obstruction, prevention of gas exchange, tension pneumothorax, serious bleeding complications in lung-/vascular injuries). Pneumothorax or tension pneumothorax is present in 20% of all polytrauma patients and 50% of all patients with severe chest trauma. In most cases, the use of a chest tube is sufficient in the acute phase (90%). For complex injuries with persistent thoracic haemorrhage and haemodynamic instability of the patient or pleural fistulization with increasing skin emphysema, surgical treatment should be performed at an early interval. Nevertheless, emergency thoracotomy is rarely required at this early stage.

[Delphi Expert Consensus of the German Thoracic Surgery Society on Perioperative Management of Oncological Anatomical Lung Resections]. / Delphi-Konsens der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Thoraxchirurgie über das perioperative Management bei onkologischen anatomischen Lungenresektionen.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical lung resection for curative treatment of a tumour disease is the most common selective procedure in oncological thoracic surgery. The goal of the working group of the German Thoracic Surgery Society (DGT) was to achieve a consensus on the perioperative management of selective oncological lung resection procedures. METHODS: The assigned group of the DGT designed and conducted two electronic rounds of questions in all major thoracic and lung centres. Consensus was considered as a rate of ≥ 75%. After statistical analysis of the results, an expert meeting took place and a final Delphi process poll was used in order to reach consensus for controversial topics. RESULTS: Fourteen questions on the perioperative management of anatomical oncological lung resections were proposed and voted on. A consensus was reached for the following topics: preoperative infectiological screening, extended respiratory diagnostics for impaired lung function, use of a cardiac risk assessment score, postoperative monitoring, prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism, control bronchoscopy after sleeve resections or pneumonectomy, blood gas test before discharge from the hospital. No consensus was reached for the following topics: preoperative endobronchial microbiological diagnostics, pleural rinsing, standardised clinical chemistry blood test postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Our manuscript depicts the results of a Delphi process in 2018/2019 involving experts of the German Thoracic Surgery Society from high volume departments certified for thoracic surgery and/or lung cancer surgery. In general, a very high rate of consensus was documented for the majority of the topics concerning the perioperative management of oncological anatomical selective lung resection procedures. The most important topic for which no consensus could be reached was preoperative endobronchial microbiological diagnostic testing.

Bronchus Anastomosis Healing Depending on Type of Neoadjuvant Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy of lung cancer in patients with locally advanced disease is an option in multimodal treatment. Sleeve lobectomy has an important part in decreasing complications and sparing lung function. We present our experience in a large cohort of patients after sleeve lobectomy with or without neoadjuvant treatment and standardized assessment of bronchial anastomotic healing. METHODS: The data used for this study were collected in a prospective database in our hospital. Anastomotic healing was documented by bronchoscopy on the seventh postoperative day and thereafter only when necessary, using a standardized scoring system. From 2006 to 2017, we performed 501 sleeve lobectomies representing 19% of all lung cancer resections. A total of 365 of patients had no preoperative treatment (73%), 41 had neoadjuvant chemotherapy (8%), and 95 had radiochemotherapy (19%). RESULTS: Using our scoring system of the bronchial anastomosis from 1 (excellent) to 5 (insufficient), we found the anastomosis was worse than grade 2 after no treatment, chemotherapy, or radiochemotherapy in 17%, 10%, and 30%, respectively (P = .002). The rate of anastomotic insufficiency was equally low after no pretreatment and chemotherapy (2.7% and 2.4%) and rose to 10.4% after radiotherapy (P = .002). Similarly, the risk for pulmonary complications was higher after radiochemotherapy (39%) compared with no pretreatment (29%) or chemotherapy (27%), respectively (P = .382). CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant radiotherapy is associated with worse wound healing of the anastomosis after sleeve lobectomy in lung cancer. There seems to be a higher risk for anastomotic insufficiency and complications.

Perioperative outcome after open and thoracoscopic segmentectomy for the treatment of malignant and benign pulmonary lesions: a propensity-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcome of patients receiving anatomic segmentectomy either by open surgery or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). To assess the short-term morbidity of the procedure itself, lung cancer patients in all stages as well as patients with pulmonary metastases and benign lesions scheduled for segmental resection were enrolled in this study. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 445 consecutive patients that underwent segmentectomy either by VATS (n=233) or thoracotomy (n=212) was performed. A propensity-matched analysis was conducted based on age, gender, smoking history, histology, tumor size, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and history of previous pulmonary resections. The matched sample included two groups of 140 patients each. RESULTS: Both study groups were comparable with respect to age, gender, smoking history, diagnosis, tumor size, pulmonary function and history of previous pulmonary resections. VATS segmentectomy was associated with decreased length of stay (7.4 vs. 9.5 days, P<0.001), drainage treatment time (4.7 vs. 5.9 days, P=0.012) and severe postoperative complications (1.4% vs. 7.1%, P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: VATS segmentectomy is safe and effective for the treatment of benign and malignant pulmonary lesions. Compared with open thoracotomy, it is associated with shorter hospitalization time and decreased number of severe complications. The preservation of functional lung tissue, combined with a minimally invasive approach, make VATS segmentectomy highly suitable for patients with reduced pulmonary function or severe comorbidities.

[Trimodal Therapy for Stage IIIA-B NSCLC Involving High Dose Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy. Is Surgery a Rational Option?] / Trimodale Therapie des NSCLC im Stadium IIIA-B mittels neoadjuvanter Hochdosisradiochemotherapie. Stellt die Operation eine sinnvolle Option dar?

Introduction Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its possible multimodal therapy present a challenge to the responsible oncologist, chest surgeon and radiologist. The aim of the present retrospective study was to analyse and evaluate the treatment algorithm in our hospital for patients with stage III NSCLC (intention to treat). We compared an aggressive treatment regime with primary trimodal therapy (high dose radiochemotherapy and resection), independently of "multilevel" N2 or "single level" N3 status. These results were then compared with a historical group of our patients who solely received simultaneous radiochemotherapy (bimodal therapy). Materials and Methods Within the period of the study, 156 patients were diagnosed with stage III NSCLC and treated with trimodal therapy. The median age was 71 years. 103 patients (60%) were male, 53 (34%) female. In the group with bimodal therapy, 102 patients were evaluated. Results After radiological restaging and checking functional resectability, 90 patients (57.7%) in the trimodal therapy group received secondary resection, including 37 (41.1%) lobectomies/bilobectomies, 37 (41.1%) sleeve lobectomies, 13 (14.4%) pneumonectomies and 3 (3.3%) segmentectomies (for severely restricted pulmonary function). The median survival time in the trimodal therapy group was 535 days and in the bimodal group 388 days; this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.1377). Finally the 5-year survival after actual therapy was performed ("as-treated trimodally" vs. "as-treated bimodally"). The median survival time was then 807 days for trimodal therapy and 427 days for bimodal therapy. Conclusion High dose neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by secondary resection is still a valuable option for selected patients with stage III NSCLC. However, this retrospective analysis failed to find a statistically significant survival advantage for the "intention-to-treat" trimodal patients.

[Bronchial Sleeve Resection: New Techniques and Management of Complications]. / Bronchusmanschettenresektion: aktuelle Operationstechnik und Komplikationsmanagement.

Bronchial sleeve resection is the treatment of choice for centrally located lung cancer, even in patients with normal lung function. The objective is to preserve lung tissue and avoid both pneumonectomy and its complications related, in terms of long-term survival and quality of life. As our experience in minimally invasive surgery increases, we have modified technological aspects to adapt to the new situation. This article focuses on these new technical aspects and literature data on bronchial sleeve resection.

[The German Thorax Registry: Implementation of an Established Tool of Perioperative Health Care Research]. / Deutsches Thoraxregister ­ Implementierung eines etablierten Werkzeugs der perioperativen Versorgungsforschung.

The collection of clinical treatment data in registry databases is an important aspect of health services research. It allows for a critical evaluation of the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of clinical treatment concepts in large patient populations. The findings of registry research represent real-world patients and treatment structures as they are not limited by strict inclusion criteria or unrealistic conditions as applied in prospective clinical trials. The implementation of the German Thorax Registry has enabled the collection and analysis of data on the interdisciplinary care (thoracic surgery, anaesthesiology, intensive care, pain management) of patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Under the auspices of the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine and the German Society of Thoracic Surgery, a registry of the Hospital of the University Witten/Herdecke-Cologne, purely surgical at first, was expanded in close cooperation with the University Hospital of Freiburg. After a comprehensive data protection concept was drafted and a test phase completed, the German Thorax Registry was officially launched in January 2016. Most notably, participating hospitals profit from the registry's "benchmarking" services. "Benchmarking", i.e. the comparison of treatment quality between different hospitals, enables participants to identify individual profiles, strengths and weaknesses on a nation-wide level and follow their own progress over the course of several years. An online database for data entry and benchmarking is always accessible (www.thoraxregister.de). In October 2016, the spectrum of participants was expanded to include all hospitals performing at least 50 thoracic operations a year.

The impact of preoperative elevated serum C-reactive protein on postoperative morbidity and mortality after anatomic resection for lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent risk factor of postoperative morbidity and mortality after pulmonary resection for lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 1414 consecutive patients that underwent an anatomic resection for lung cancer was performed. Patients' characteristics, operative procedures and the postoperative outcome were assessed with a standardised data entry form. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors that affect morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred in 35.5% of the patients. The mortality rate was 3.2%. Patients with preoperative C-reactive protein above 40mg/l showed more overall complications and a higher mortality than patients below this limit. Patients with a CRP level between 3mg/l and 40mg/l had no significant increase in morbidity and mortality compared to patients with values ​​below the detection limit (< 3mg/l). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative serum C-reactive protein level is an independent and significant indicator for elevated morbidity and mortality after pulmonary resection. We propose the evaluation of CRP levels as a preoperative diagnostic modality of risk assessment in addition to standardised functional testing.

Management of chest trauma.

Trauma is the leading cause of death worldwide. Approximately 2/3 of the patients have a chest trauma with varying severity from a simple rib fracture to penetrating injury of the heart or tracheobronchial disruption. Blunt chest trauma is most common with 90% incidence, of which less than 10% require surgical intervention of any kind. Mortality is second highest after head injury, which underlines the importance of initial management. Many of these deaths can be prevented by prompt diagnosis and treatment. What is the role of the thoracic surgeon in the management of chest trauma in severely injured patients? When should the thoracic surgeon be involved? Is there a place for minimal invasive surgery in the management of severely injured patients? With two case reports we would like to demonstrate how the very specific knowledge of thoracic surgeons could help in the care of trauma patients.

Impact of intercostal paravertebral neurectomy on post thoracotomy pain syndrome after thoracotomy in lung cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Thoracotomy leads to chronic neuropathic pain in up to 50% of patients and is responsible for an impaired quality of life. Intercostal nerve injury has been suggested to be responsible for this pain. In the present study the impact of paravertebral intercostal neurectomy on post thoracotomy pain was assessed. METHODS: In this single center parallel-group randomized controlled trial patients underwent muscle sparing anterolateral thoracotomy and anatomical lung resection for lung cancer. A subcostal approach was used for thoracotomy with single paravertebral neurectomy being performed at the beginning of the procedure at the level of the retracted intercostal space. For documentation of neuropathic pain the Leeds Assessment Score for Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) was used postoperatively. The primary endpoint was defined as LANSS ≥12 points on day 120. In addition, the numeric pain rating scale (NRS) was used to score pain intensity. RESULTS: Out of 172 patients initially randomized 161 patients were investigated following intraoperative and postoperative drop-out criteria. All patients required anatomical lung resection via thoracotomy. Five patients were lost for follow up. For the remaining 156 patients there was no difference between the two groups with regard to LANSS ≥12: 26.6% in patients with neurectomy and 28.8% in control-subjects (P=0.78). In addition, the NSR score at day 120 did not differ significantly at rest and during activity between the two groups (at rest: 21.7% vs. 15.8% P=0.439; activity: 24.5% vs. 21.9% P=0.735). CONCLUSIONS: Neurectomy was not shown to reduce the post thoracotomy pain syndrome in patients with anatomical lung resection following anterolateral muscle sparing thoracotomy.